Family-Based Therapies, Mindfullnes-Based Therapies and Dialectical Behavior Therapy in Common Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are characterized by individuals' distorted perceptions and irregular eating habits. Evidence obtained from clinical practices shows that eating disorders bring along various medical problems, and complete recovery is difficult; thus, relapse rates are high. In eating disorders, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment is emphasized; however, the effectiveness and suitability of the treatment method are also crucial. Accordingly, increasing knowledge about the contemporary psychotherapy approaches used in the treatment of eating disorders subtypes is significant for those who work in the field of mental health. In this review, contemporary therapy approaches that should be taken into consideration when working with individuals diagnosed with eating disorders are presented. Family-based therapies, mindfulness-based therapies, and dialectical behavioral therapies are emphasized with their underlying assumptions about eating disorders as well as their main techniques and therapy goals. In addition, effectiveness of these approaches was examined, and previous studies are found to be limited based on their amount and methodology. However, these psychotherapies were considered as useful approaches in terms of reducing the symptoms of eating disorders and providing different methods in treatment. Keywords: Eating disorders, family-based therapy, mindfulness-based therapy, dialectical behavior therapy